SAMUEL JOHNSON’S WORKS, HANDSOMELY BOUND

JOHNSON, Samuel. The Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. London: F.C. and J. Rivington et al., 1823. Twelve volumes. Octavo, early 20th-century three-quarter green calf gilt, raised bands, red and black morocco spine labels, marbled boards and endpapers, top edges gilt. $2700.

Early 19th-century edition of Johnson’s works, handsomely bound.

Johnson’s works “remain a monument of genius and learning. Had he written nothing but what is contained in this edition, the quantity shews a life spent in study and meditation. If to this we added the labour of his Dictionary and other various productions, it may be fairly allowed, as he used to say of himself, that he has written his share” (Murphy). Includes The Rambler, Lives of the Poets, Journey to the Hebrides, Johnson’s poems, letters, sermons, miscellaneous pieces, and Murphy’s “Essay on the Life and Genius of Dr. Johnson.” With engraved frontispiece portrait in Volume I. Courtney & Smith, 166. Fleeman 87.3W/18.

Scattered light foxing, spines evenly toned to brown. A handsome set.